Board authorizes letter, certified resolution to seek $250,000 CIF planning grant for Sue Grossman Trail

The Winchester Town Board of Selectmen voted Monday to authorize the mayor to sign a letter of support and a certified resolution allowing the town manager to apply for a Community Investment Fund planning grant of up to $250,000 for the Sue Grossman Trail.

The Town Manager told the board the planning grant would fund engineering, environmental studies, legal services, permitting, water and sewer planning and an economic development report. He said the town hopes the planning grant can be leveraged toward a previously awarded federal grant for the same trail and toward a required local match.

“We were granted the $2,000,000 federal funding for the Sue Grossman Trail and later learned there was a $500,000 match required; this $250,000 CIF planning grant can be leveraged toward that match,” the Town Manager said. He also said the town has unlocked $45,254 from the Building Health and Communities economic development grant and has asked to reallocate that amount to a feasibility study for the trail.

The Town Manager said Community Investment Fund money is limited to 55 of Connecticut’s 169 municipalities designated as distressed or in the alliance district category; the state program runs through June 30, 2032. The board approved the motion unanimously.

The certified resolution and letter will be attached to the town’s application. Town officials said the grant application will be one of multiple submissions the town may make before the June 30 application deadline.